Safe Bar Program - How to Respond to Survivors

If someone you know is raped or sexually assaulted...

Listen. Be there. Don't be judgmental.

Be patient. Remember, it will take your friend/family member some time to deal with the trauma.

Help to empower your friend or family member. Sexual assault is a crime that takes away an individual's power, it is important not to compound this experience by putting pressure on your friend or family member to do things that he or she is not ready to do yet.

Let your friend/family member know that he or she has the right to report the rape or sexual assault to law enforcement.

Let your friend/family member know that professional help is available through SAC. Encourage him or her to contact the SAC crisis support line, but realize that only your friend can make the decision to get help.

If your friend is willing to seek medical attention or report the assault, offer to accompany him or her wherever she/he needs to go (hospital, police station, campus security, etc.)